800 persons found employment and 157 new businesses
opened their doors for the first six months of 2008

Social Security's Elvin Bailey (Photo by Erasmus Williams)

 “Both islands are to be congratulated because both experienced the creation of jobs. 

There were 218 in Nevis and 462 in St. Kitts. This is in addition to the 149 self employed persons who have created work for themselves and others,” said Social Security’s Assistant Director, Research, Statistics and Public Relations, Mr. Elvin Bailey.

Mr. Bailey also reported that 157 businesses opened their doors and another 28 re-started during the first six months of this year.

He said growth was experienced in both St. Kitts and Nevis. “There were 59 new businesses in Nevis, 45 new self employed persons and 15 re-start businesses. Comparable data for St. Kitts shows there were 98 new businesses, 104 new self employed persons and 13 re-start businesses.

Mr. Bailey disclosed also that 37 businesses - 17 in Nevis and 20 in St. Kitts - found the going too difficult and closed doors.

“Our members experienced loss of earnings 6,632 times and claimed support from us as is their right to do. All but approximately 4% were paid.  We find that most of the claims we have had to turn down have not been strictly ‘above board’,” he added.

 The senior Social Security official pointed out that under the heading pensioners-in-payment, 3,464 persons are collecting something monthly.   ~~Adz:Right~~

 “Granted, 355 of them will only receive the payment until they reach the age of majority, because they are yet young.  Another set, 346 of them may lose it if they fall in love again and choose not to live in sin. Yet another 532 persons are in receipt of that “welfare” cheque of $210.00 per month and over 70% of them are women.  Let us dispel a perception about pensions: not all pensions are payable for life, and not all pensions are old age pensions – in our case, a little less than half (48%) are younger than 62,” said Bailey.